The organisers of The Outing 2025 have announced that the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to County Clare on Valentine’s Weekend (14-16 February).
Organised in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, The George, Limerick Pride and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by 'The Queen of Matchmaking' Eddie McGuinness, alongside Paul Ryder and Victoria Secret.
"The Outing offers attendees a blend of traditional matchmaking with modern pride and with more than a hundred relationships and two marriages borne out of the festival to date, I am looking forward to playing my part in forging new relationships this year,” said Eddie McGuinness.
“From ceilí bands to drag performances, we're creating a uniquely Irish LGBTQ+ celebration that draws people from around the world to County Clare.”
Special guests at this year’s 12th annual festival include Charra Tea, a fan-favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, and Actavia, the breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16.
Irish queer artist Shobsy and English boxing manager and promoter Kellie Moloney who managed Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, also will be participating.
The Outing organisers have also confirmed that their joint letter of intent with Quare Clare, Limerick Pride and Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028 has been officially accepted for Wild Atlantic EuroPride 2028.
EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year and attracts over 100,000 people from all over the world annually.
“The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Mid-West, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience," said Eddie McGuinness. "Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028.”
